Recently, I shared with you why I love my art. The cool thing is, my art encompasses more than it used to...or at least it is more now than I thought it was or would be....it's not just the visual art I make any more that I count as my art. This work that I do here at Art Nurture has become my art. Really this journey began as a personal exploration for me to get myself back in my art studio and it has grown and become so much more than I could have ever imagined.

I love this work. I love working as a "Creativity Cultivator".

I truthfully couldn't imagine my life without Art Nurture and I find it so interesting that it happened as just an experiment. Art Nurture was born because I was wondering if creativity could be nurtured. And now I know, the answer is a resounding 'YES'!

The reason I love this work, is because I really love people.

Not only that, but I love seeing people at their best.

I believe people are amazing.

Yes, I know, I know. People can hurt you. People make mistakes. People can let you down. It's true. We can be a sloppy mess more days than we would care to admit.

But the longer I do this work, the more I get to know people and share in their Creativity Cultivation process, the more I see that most people's creative dreams are really beautiful and really good.

So, there you have it: the reason I love this work is because I get to be a part of all kinds of people's lives and I get to watch them fly.

I don't need credit here, I am happy to be a catalyst.

In fact, being a catalyst suits my introverted nature well.

But I get to see all kinds of people do all kinds of amazing work!

I get to see people's confidence grow.

I get to see people's projects get funded and take off and fly!

I get to see people raise money for charity.

I get to see creativity cultivators develop their art skills and hone their craft.

I get to be a witness to the creative process as someone buys their first instrument and takes a lesson.

I get to see people make amazing steps and strides for themselves.

I get to watch it spill over into their community.

I get to hear about it!

I feel honored that the folks I work with share so much of their lives and their world with me. It's such a beautiful exchange, some days I can hardly keep from smiling and crying at the same time.

You are what I love about this work.

You.

You are amazing.

Your Art Nurture Journey is completely unique to you.

Being a support to you on that journey is why Art Nurture exists in it's form today and why I am committed to growing with it each year.

Just as I love my own art because it causes me to go deeper, it beckons me to grow, so does my work here at Art Nurture.

It's a joy to show up to the office when I get to work with you. I look forward to it each week.

Thank you.

Now, it's your turn. Why do you love what you do?

Please, share in the comments below.

If you are loving this, please share it with those you believe would love it too.

Art Nurture is about being fully alive and living life with the soul of an artist. A life filled with passion, intention, and purpose. Thanks so much for your time and your presence.

Cultivate & Nurture, Court McCracken

p.s. If you want to receive Art Nurture goodness straight in your inbox, make sure to get your name on the list and receive a gift from me to you!

Court - thanks for loving your art and inspiring us to do the same. I've been writing lately - not songs now, and I miss that, but stories and thoughts and encouraging words. It's cathartic and rich and fun - not only to get it on "paper" but also to see how it impacts others. Thanks for being who you are and passionately inspiring others to create. Love you, girl.

Tim~ Thanks so much for hanging out here at Art Nurture and for sharing what is going on in your creative world. You never know how all of those things will blend together and what they are creating as you let them simmer and you listen to the urge within to write what needs to be written. I'm anticipating something neat-o to come from all of it and I want to hear how things develop!

I have found that returning to drawing and painting has been very therapeutic, taking me back to place where I feel like myself again. I have seen pieces that I have done for people as gifts bring one friend to tears (in a good way:) ) and have received honest compliments from others. Though I have not brought joy to the masses and to be realistic I don't expect I ever will. I'm ok with that. I plan to become more active and broaden my range of community in 2015.

Court, thank you for everything you have helped me through over the past year. Your encouragement and constructive direction has really helped me to keep motivated and looking forward to brighter days in 2015.

Ryan~ I love it! It's amazing how showing up to the process gives us so much in the way of healing and presence and grounded-ness in ones self. You are so welcome and I love hearing how your art and life are going : ) I'm jazzed for 2015 for you too!

"If preparing to work with Court you should know that you will be challenged to be your best self and you will be given tools for how to do so.

You may also find yourself realizing dreams and vocations that may have been easier in the short term to keep hidden, but overall will allow you to embrace this creative part of yourself and live more fully." -Faith Josephs